All news (2778)

05.06.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter informed the Federal Council at its meeting on 5 June that the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP intends to lift the existing entry restrictions applicable with regard to all EU/EFTA states and the United Kingdom as of 15 June.

04.06.2020
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Press release
EDA
On Thursday, 4 June, President Simonetta Sommaruga represented Switzerland at the Global Vaccine Summit. The summit, which was originally due to have taken place in London at the UK’s invitation, was instead conducted by video conference. Among the issues addressed was how any future vaccine against COVID-19 could be made globally accessible.

03.06.2020
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is working internationally to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. Ensuring that governments inform each other about their civilian and military missile programmes and planned missile launches is an important means of reducing distrust between states. This is one of the aims of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), which Switzerland has chaired since 3 June 2020.

02.06.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on 2 June 2020 by videoconference. The humanitarian multilateral Committee coordinates aid funding to the Palestinian Authority. The virtual meeting focused on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Palestinian economy and efforts to resume the dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

02.06.2020
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Press release
EDA
The civil war in Yemen has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. People in Yemen need urgent assistance. But ongoing hostilities and major administrative and operational restrictions are making humanitarian programmes increasingly difficult to implement. At a pledging conference co-hosted by the UN and Saudi Arabia, Switzerland has announced that it will make CHF 12 million available for measures to assist the Yemeni people. The international community has pledged a total of USD 1.35 billion towards relief efforts to help the affected population.

28.05.2020
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EDA
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Swiss diplomat Stéphane Rey, head of Peace Policy and deputy head of the Human Security Division at the FDFA, to the Advisory Group of the Peacebuilding Fund. The FDFA welcomes Mr Rey's appointment, which acknowledges Switzerland's record as a bridge builder and its expertise in peace and security.

28.05.2020
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Press release
EDA
On Thursday 28 May 2020, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, took part in a video conference on development funding at the invitation of the UN, Canada and Jamaica. The conference, which involved numerous heads of state and government, marks the start of a longer process which will focus on development funding at a global level during the pandemic and beyond.

27.05.2020
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is to contribute CHF 879 million to the coffers of the International Development Association (IDA/World Bank) and of the African Development Fund (ADF) to help fight poverty, promote sustainable development and deal with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the world’s poorest countries. Switzerland is also contributing CHF 115 million to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). These decisions were taken by the Federal Council on 27 May.

22.05.2020
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Press release
EDA
Large numbers of migrants living and working abroad send part of their wages to their families back home on a regular basis. Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, low-income countries have seen a dramatic fall in these remittances from abroad. Switzerland has therefore been working closely with the United Kingdom to call on the international community to keep remittance channels open and give the poorest communities continued access to these vital sources of income. The joint appeal, which is being launched today, also demonstrates the close ties between Switzerland and the UK, according to Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

19.05.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), participated in a “webinar” videoconference with high-ranking representatives from the fields of peace policy and good offices to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on efforts to promote peace and security. Hosted by the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the conference focused on current and future challenges and produced recommendations for further action.

13.05.2020
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EDA
At its meeting of 13 May 2020, the Federal Council approved the allocation of CHF 175 million for the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be used for humanitarian aid, the development and production of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, and efforts aimed at ensuring equitable access to these medical solutions worldwide. The CHF 175 million is part of a CHF 400 million package approved by the Federal Council two weeks ago.

30.04.2020
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Press release
EDA
Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. The pandemic is compounding an already precarious situation in countries beset by poverty, armed conflict or natural disasters. To mitigate the consequences of the pandemic, the Federal Council has decided to provide the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with a CHF 200 million interest-free loan and to contribute CHF 25 million to an IMF rapid credit facility to help countries address the pandemic. A further CHF 175 million is to be allocated to help strengthen internationally active organisations and international cooperation to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. With these funds, Switzerland is showing solidarity during the global crisis.

Media (2467)

21.08.2019 —
Press release
EDA
On 21 August 2019, the Federal Council decided that Switzerland would support a political declaration of intent (compact) on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse in UN field operations. The compact between the Federal Council and the UN Secretary-General sets out measures, which, although legally non-binding on either party, are consistent with the zero tolerance policy the Federal Council has set out in Switzerland’s priorities for the UN.

07.08.2019 —
Press release
EDA
On the second day of his trip to Mozambique, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Swiss humanitarian aid projects in the country. In Beira in central Mozambique he saw first-hand the scale of the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai in March 2019 and the measures taken in its wake.

06.08.2019 —
Press release
EDA
Together with other high-ranking members of the international community, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, took part earlier today in a ceremony marking the signing of the peace accord between RENAMO and FRELIMO, the opposing sides in Mozambique's civil war. This peace accord was in large measure concluded thanks to Swiss support.

02.08.2019 —
Press release
EDA
On 1 and 2 August , FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl made a visit at Thailand's invitation to Bangkok, where she represented Switzerland at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, attended the signing of a Swiss cooperation agreement with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, and met with high-ranking government representatives from Asia, Europe and North America. Before travelling to Thailand, Ms Baeriswyl visited Cambodia, where she attended the opening of the new Kantha Bopha Hospital heart clinic in Phnom Penh.

02.07.2019 —
Press release
EDA
The AVIS28 Working Group set up by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in October 2018 submitted its report in Bern today. Entitled 'Switzerland in the world in 2028', the document analyses the challenges ahead and proposes a range of options for adapting Swiss foreign policy instruments to future realities. To consolidate Switzerland's position in an increasingly unstable world, the working group recommends developing a whole-of-Switzerland approach involving all national stakeholders, as well as a more targeted, better interconnected and more reactive foreign policy.

02.07.2019 —
Press release
EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to deploy its funds more effectively and efficiently in future to help the poorest and most vulnerable communities. It has therefore altered its approach to cooperating with Swiss non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in response to changed circumstances. In order to ensure a fair and comprehensible distribution of federal government contributions, it has established a transparent system of allocation and set new upper limits. The SDC is also seeking to boost innovation and intensify competition among NGOs.

27.06.2019 —
Press release
EDA
At the request of the parties, Switzerland is acting as a facilitator in the crisis in north-western and south-western Cameroon. To this end, a second preparatory meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019.

27.06.2019 —
Press release
EDA
The Federal Council wants to involve Parliament in a more targeted manner in soft law projects. This is because although not legally binding, soft law can be politically effective. In line with postulate 18.4104, the Federal Council notes that soft law has become an instrument used to shape international relations. At its session of 26 June, the Federal Council adopted a report outlining ways for Parliament to be involved in a more targeted manner in soft law projects while maintaining the constitutional balance of powers and Switzerland's ability to conduct foreign policy. In particular, the Federal Council aims to improve the provision of information and reporting to Parliament and to step up exchanges between the two bodies on soft law.

26.06.2019 —
Press release
EDA
The Directorate of Political Affairs at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) issued a ban on services provided by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates based on the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Directorate has also filed a report with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.

21.06.2019 —
Press release
EDA
International cooperation is now inconceivable without partnerships with public and private institutions. Several successful partnerships were presented at the Annual Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation organised jointly by the SDC and SECO. Over 1,200 people attended this year's conference in Fribourg, which focused on youth.

20.06.2019 —
Press release
EDA
On Thursday, 20 June, President Ueli Maurer received Colombian President Iván Duque for a working meeting at the Bernerhof, where talks covered bilateral issues including economic affairs, as well as the situation in Colombia and in the neighbouring country of Venezuela.

19.06.2019 —
Press release
EDA
On 19 June 2019, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the third time in nine months. At their working meeting, which took place in Moscow, bilateral relations, the Council of Europe and Ukraine were among the topics discussed. The previous evening, both had attended the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy in Moscow.

Other news (311)

27.09.2019 —
EDA
The death penalty should not be applied any longer in the 21st century among others for drug or terrorism-related crimes. This is the objective of a resolution tabled by Switzerland together with seven other countries at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the Council's 42nd session, which ended on Friday 27 September, Switzerland also contributed to a resolution aimed at strengthening transitional justice.

26.09.2019 —
EDA
As part of its Good Offices, Switzerland has initiated and facilitated a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Georgia, H.E. David Zalkaliani, and the Russian Federation, H.E. Sergey Lavrov.

24.09.2019 —
EDA
During the United Nations (UN) ministerial week, President Ueli Maurer described the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions as "compasses of values" that are ever increasing in importance in a time of great uncertainty. The international community has the duty to protect the rights of every country and every person. The digital transformation and, in particular, data protection as part of human rights were also a focal point of his speech to the UN General Assembly.

24.09.2019 —
EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis has set several priorities as Switzerland celebrates 100 years of multilateralism this year. Last week, he signed a joint declaration with the Canton and City of Geneva reaffirming their commitment to International Geneva's role as a centre of global governance. At the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Cassis has now called on the international community to strengthen human rights, adding that this will require innovative approaches. During his stay in New York, Mr Cassis will also speak about UN reforms and climate change mitigation, hold bilateral talks, and meet staff of the Swiss mission to the UN and the Swiss consulate general in the city.

23.09.2019 —
EDA
Switzerland is once again represented in the Midwest, a major economic region of the United States, with a consulate general. At the opening ceremony in Chicago, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis highlighted the potential for increasing cooperation in various areas such as innovation. The reopening of the Chicago representation by the FDFA comes in response to a parliamentary request. The consulate general will increase the support available to Swiss companies in the Chicago metropolitan area and it serves as a further example of strengthened Swiss-US ties.

21.09.2019 —
EDA
On 21 September, the FDFA launched its new Travel Admin app for Swiss nationals travelling or living abroad. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in the app's official launch in Zurich Airport's main departure terminal and tried it out himself before boarding a flight to the United States. The app is designed to help Swiss citizens plan their stays abroad and to enable the authorities to reach them in the event of a crisis or disaster.

19.09.2019 —
EDA
Slovenian President Borut Pahor paid an official visit to Switzerland on Thursday, 19 September. President Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Slovenian delegation at the Lohn country residence. Both sides stressed the strong ties between the two countries and the dynamic state of relations.

16.09.2019 —
EDA
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, President of the Geneva State Council Antonio Hodgers and Administrative Councillor of the City of Geneva Sami Kanaan have signed a joint declaration underscoring the key role played by International Geneva in addressing future challenges. The joint declaration pays tribute to 100 years of multilateralism and reaffirms the commitment of the Swiss government and the Canton and City of Geneva to International Geneva's role as a centre of global governance. The signing ceremony was followed by the presentation of a volume of key Swiss diplomatic documents going back to the establishment of the League of Nations a century ago.